I Will Raise This Family to Greatness - Chapter 429

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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Chapter 429
For the time being, Jeon Sung-guk’s entire life existed for Jeon Min-guk’s debut!
With just two weeks left until Jeon Min-guk’s debut.
Secretary Kim Mi-so set down a latte and sandwich from Starbucks before briefing me on today’s schedule.
“CEO, here’s your schedule for today. At 9 AM, you’ll need to visit the set where Director Kwak, who directed the tumble-wash commercial you appeared in, will be directly overseeing the Sevens advertisement shoot. Then at 2 PM, there’s an Alpha meeting. After that, video conferences with FaceNote and Instagrim are scheduled.”
It was truly a relentless schedule with no breathing room.
“By the way, has the schedule been finalized for Sevens’ United States mainland reality documentary shoot?”
“Yes. Right after the debut stage, we’ll head straight to the airport with two layovers before arriving in New York. First, we’ll visit a hip-hop club in New York, then move to Detroit.”
“How will we travel to Detroit?”
“I’ve reserved a bus.”
“What about accommodations?”
“I’ve booked hostels.”
[This is going to feel rather tight on the budget.]
Secretary Kim Mi-so detailed the remaining schedule for Sevens’ documentary one item at a time.
“The plan includes visiting and performing at the Detroit Hip-hop Club, then moving to Los Angeles for some rest and recharging before continuing with street performances.”
“Who will be supervising them?”
“Since hip-hop clubs and such are located near high-crime areas, I’ve arranged for a local professional coordinator to accompany them.”
Safety was paramount.
Sevens’ future was bright, and we couldn’t afford to stumble at the start.
“That’s a wise choice.”
“In New York, Grace will specifically meet with Sevens to share stories about you and treat them to a meal, so I’ve included that in the schedule.”
[That level of luxury should be acceptable….]
“How long is the total duration?”
“Exactly one week for the United States schedule.”
Two layovers. And one week within the United States….
It was a murderous schedule, to say the least.
But Sevens could handle it.
They were young, freshly debuted rookies with nothing to fear at their age.
“Who will be the director?”
“A director with a background in commercial film, recommended by Director Kwak, has agreed to go.”
“Our pay won’t be very high, will it?”
“I understand CEO Bang Mu-hyuk recruited them by proposing future music video direction and similar projects.”
Even if this project didn’t pay well now, the director would undoubtedly gain prominence simply from having filmed Sevens’ reality documentary.
“Excellent. Secretary Kim Mi-so, until Min-guk’s debut, please align all my schedules with Min-guk’s debut schedule.”
“I will do so.”
I adjusted my hood and stared intently at Secretary Kim Mi-so.
“CEO, why are you looking at me like that?”
“You’ve checked all of Sevens’ music videos and YouTube videos, haven’t you, Secretary Kim?”
“Of course.”
“What do you think of Sevens? I’m asking for your honest personal opinion.”
“Hmm….”
Secretary Kim Mi-so paused for a moment.
“I’ll give you a biased review, if you don’t mind.”
[That’s exactly what I want to hear, Secretary Kim.]
A smile spread across Secretary Kim Mi-so’s face.
“In terms of looks, Dohyung is my top pick, but considering personal interviews and their activities, my personal favorite is your brother, Min-guk.”
“Min-guk?”
“Yes. He’s the main vocalist, and he’s excellent at rapping too. Whether it’s dancing or sports, there’s nothing he can’t do. And his looks—well, being your brother, he’s as outstanding as anyone could be.”
Why am I irritated that Secretary Kim Mi-so picked Min-guk as her favorite?
“What about the other members?”
I asked, suppressing my annoyance.
“They all have strong personalities and charm—it’s fun observing each one individually. Your friends Jung-woo and Jae-hee are members with outstanding looks and an adorable quality. Jung-woo especially has philosophy in his rap.”
[Secretary Kim Mi-so, this isn’t just monitoring anymore, is it?]
“And Dohyung—his looks are completely unconventional, but his actions are full of beagle charm. And—”
“That’s enough. I think I’ve heard plenty.”
“Actually, while monitoring, I already became a fan and joined the Sevens fan club.”
“There’s already a fan club?”
“These days, fan clubs usually pop up on community cafes before debut. The numbers aren’t large yet, but I expect they’ll grow significantly after their debut stage.”
At that moment, curiosity struck me.
“Secretary Kim Mi-so, did you ever join my fan club before?”
Secretary Kim Mi-so’s expression became awkward.
“Sir, of course not. Well, I couldn’t. I’m a Samjeon employee, but I’m currently under Alpha, after all.”
Secretary Kim Mi-so had skillfully dodged the question.
And my mood became oddly unsettled.
“Sir, shall we head directly to the advertisement filming set?”
“Ah, yes….”
* * *
It was a familiar advertisement filming set.
It was the very place where I’d shot my first commercial.
Walking inside, memories from twenty years ago came flooding back.
[I ate a banana there….]
Just then, the Sevens members who spotted me called out loudly in greeting.
“Hello!”
Everyone had already finished their setup for the commercial shoot.
They all looked nervous about their first advertisement.
That’s when I noticed Jae-hee looking tense.
“Jae-hee, do you remember we first met here?”
“Of course I don’t remember. We were both babies back then. Do you remember?”
“I only remember what Mom told me.”
[I told you about Lim Sun-mi’s nose surgery, and because you punched her nose, I ended up stealing that modeling gig from you.]
Jae-hee also swept his gaze across the film set, his eyes glistening with emotion.
“I can’t believe I’m finally shooting that advertisement after twenty years—the one I missed because I lost out to you.”
“This time, we can’t afford to make any mistakes like we did back then.”
“Sung-guk, but….”
“Hmm?”
“You talk as if you remember everything from back then perfectly.”
[Of course I do.]
I smiled inwardly.
But now was the time to lift Jae-hee’s spirits.
“Don’t mess up this time—seize this opportunity with both hands! You’ve honed yourself for twenty years, so you absolutely deserve this.”
“Right. Twenty years ago, I was alone, but now our members are with me. I won’t mess up. Even if I do, my members will perform even better than me.”
Jae-hee’s face radiated confidence.
“Jeon Sung-guk!”
Someone called my name loudly from behind.
It was a familiar voice I could recognize without even looking.
“Director?”
“After twenty years, I’m directing a Samjeon washing machine advertisement again. This is all thanks to you, Jeon Sung-guk—or rather, Chairman Jeon.”
“Director, please don’t say such things.”
“Well, honestly, who would entrust an advertisement to someone like me who’s retired and just lounging around?”
Director Kwak had been running a production company after marrying Kim Mi-young.
He had essentially stepped back from directing and devoted himself entirely to managing the production company.
This advertisement was one of Director Kwak’s hit works, and since the concept itself was a remake of the advertisement from twenty years ago, he had decided to direct it personally.
“Isn’t Representative Kim coming?”
“She said she’d come by later to cheer us on.”
“It’s been a while since I’ll see Representative Kim.”
“Every time Mi-young sees you on TV, she gets all smug about how her eye for talent was right, patting herself on the back.”
“That’s actually true. It was Representative Kim Mi-young who told me to audition for that advertisement.”
“I’ve heard that story so many times my ears are tired of it.”
Director Kwak laughed warmly.
Representative Kim Mi-young, whom I had met as a landlord and tenant when I lived in Suyu, had been working at Samjeon Entertainment back then.
Working as one of the few remaining high school graduates at the company, Representative Kim Mi-young had come to ask about raising the rent, ended up celebrating my first birthday with my mother, and the very next day, told my mother about the audition opportunity.
If destiny exists in this world, it must refer to moments like this.
Born into poverty and struggling desperately to lift my family out of hardship, that child model opportunity was a golden lifeline for me.
And I didn’t let that chance slip away—I seized it immediately.
After that, through Director Kwak’s recommendation, I appeared in “Five Men and a Baby Basket,” and the project to lift my family up had truly begun.
“By the way, Chairman Jeon. You know we’re re-shooting the scene from the advertisement twenty years ago, right?”
“Yes, I’ve already received the modeling fee.”
[The exchange has to be precise, Director Kwak.]
“As expected, meticulous. Well, stay here and watch. This time Min-guk will do what you did twenty years ago, so pay close attention….”
“Yes, Director. Thank you for having me.”
“I need to make sure I do my part well.”
Director Kwak laughed and returned to the set.
* * *
Once the cameras started rolling, Director Kwak shed his casual demeanor and issued instructions with a serious expression.
There were countless NGs, and Director Kwak’s voice grew sharp at times.
But the Sevens members remained unwavering from start to finish, pouring themselves into the advertisement shoot.
Not a single member uttered a complaint.
It seemed the results of their relentless practice together in the semi-basement practice room were finally shining through.
“CEO, seeing them in person… they’re all impressive.”
Secretary Kim Mi-so whispered from behind.
“Secretary Kim, set aside your fandom for now. We’re filming a documentary right now.”
The reality filming crew was already capturing the daily lives of Sevens.
“As soon as the shoot wraps, Secretary Kim Mi-so needs to hand over the New York flight tickets.”
“Me, directly?”
“Do you not want to?”
[You can say no, Secretary Kim.]
But Secretary Kim Mi-so’s face was beaming with a bright smile.
This wasn’t the reaction I expected.
“CEO, of course not. Can I hand it directly to Min-guk?”
“Do as you wish.”
I answered flatly.
[Secretary Kim Mi-so, isn’t this showing too much personal interest?]
Secretary Kim Mi-so quickly glanced around.
“CEO, there are no other schedules until lunch, so I’ll go touch up the makeup for the final scene.”
[What? Secretary Kim, get your head straight!]
But Secretary Kim Mi-so was already heading toward the makeup room, leaving me alone on the set.
* * *
“Cut! Okay!”
Director Kwak’s clear voice rang out across the set.
“That was a very good take. Let’s grab lunch, rest up, and then move on to the next scene.”
“Yes!”
The Sevens members answered in unison.
Director Kwak approached me and winked playfully.
“They all have star quality. How did you manage to gather all of them?”
“Luck, I suppose.”
[Of course, the luck I’m talking about includes my own blood, sweat, and tears, Director Kwak.]
“CEO Kim said he’d come by at lunch, so let’s eat together.”
“Yes, Director.”
* * *
“Sung-guk!”
Kim Mi-young approached, her short hair swaying.
“Sung-guk, when did you grow so much? No, wait—when did you become so handsome?”
“Mi-young, everyone in the world already knows Sung-guk is handsome and charming. How can you be so moved right in front of your husband?”
“I’m sorry, Director Kwak.”
Kim Mi-young gazed at me with an expression of genuine wonder, looking again and again.
“Sung-guk, I still can’t believe it. You’re already twenty-one years old… and I’ve aged just as much.”
“You haven’t changed at all.”
“So now you know how to flatter people?”
“No, I mean it.”
I scratched my head sheepishly.
“I saw Min-guk earlier too, and he’s grown into such a fine young man. Your mother must feel so fulfilled just looking at you all that she doesn’t need to eat.”
“My mother scolds me every day.”
“That’s right—she calls me often to tell me about you, Min-guk, and Ji-hee. She’s so worried because you only work. Really, aren’t you seeing anyone?”
“Mi-young, let’s talk while we eat.”
Director Kwak stopped her.
“Seeing Sung-guk, I have so many questions.”
Just then, Secretary Kim Mi-so, who had gone to touch up her makeup, approached.
“By the way, this is my personal secretary, Secretary Kim Mi-so. She’s like a benefactor to me. She actively recommended me for the Samjeon Electronics commercial audition.”
“I heard briefly from the director. I’m Secretary Kim Mi-so, assisting CEO Jeon Sung-guk.”
In that moment, Kim Mi-young’s eyes sparkled with a keen light.
It was the same sharp gaze she had given me twenty years ago at my first birthday celebration.
“Secretary Kim Mi-so, it’s nice to meet you.”
But there was something unspoken in her tone.
As we headed toward the restaurant, Kim Mi-young subtly drew closer to me and whispered quietly.
“Sung-guk, Secretary Kim Mi-so… she seems like a really good person.”
[What does that mean, Kim Mi-young?]

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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